From the sinister musical scoring to the casts class acts, the film has all the components for a great horror movie. What she sees when she gets there is a disturbing image of a man in a bear costume performing fellatio on a man in a tuxedo. Since the movie is so extensive, lets discuss about three independently primary talking points : Jack, Overlook Hotel and the Bear Man. He thought there might be something else that would be metaphorically and visually more interesting. This is one of the more straightforward and most believableThe Shiningtheories in circulation. Jack had a history of anger issues and violence, mainly against his family. There are lots of parallels going on here. This is one of the film's unique scenes (along with the Grady twins) and it has received a number of interpretations. He even sought to create an alternate adaptation of his novel in the form of a television mini-series in the '90s. The Shining's Room 237 is known for having a female specter, as referenced when Jack encounters a woman in the bath. The Overlooks cook, Dick Hallorann, arrives to help Wendy and Danny after the latter reaches out to him through the shining, but is ambushed and killed by Jack. Therefore, it makes sense why Doctor Sleep didn't include The Shining bear man. These dates line up to the precise year that lightning strikes hit a monument a town wrought with countless Native American deaths. Its more than likely that Kubrick placed this article title in the scene to communicate that the psychiatrists dismissal of Dannys health problem is mistaken. Master the art of visual storytelling with our FREE video series on directing and filmmaking techniques. The movie doesn't expressly explain the identity of the man, but in the book, Stephen King provides the answer. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. A drunk Jack, in a fit of rage had dislocated Dannys shoulder and this is presented as a possible explanation for Danny to develop a separate personality (Tony). In an earlier scene, for a split second we see Jack reading a PlayGirl magazine which has an article on incest. Watch my new Shining analysis video \"Danny's ordeal and the bear costumed man\" here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW2GrG7Zk0UMy written Shining analysis articles and videos are at: http://www.collativelearning.com/FILMS%20reviews%20BY%20ROB%20AGER.htmlRob Ager's analysis of The Shining was plagiarized in a video posted on the Screen Prism channel and credited to Jeff Saporito. Another interesting point, Wendy later holds Danny in the same way as Jack holds the old lady, and also has Jacks blue robe on (the same robe he had while he abused Danny). Surprisingly, Jack expresses nothing but anticipation towards the role of the caretaker. In addition to the sexual innuendos of the doctors conversation, theres one further scene in the film that adds to the mystery in question, occurring when Hotel managers Stuart Ullman and Bill Watson approach Jack on the closing day of the Overlook. Here are some of the most obvious clues supporting this theory. At the beginning of the movie, Wendy mentions that Jack once injured Danny's arm, and it's later implied that Danny's imaginary friend, Tony, is . Also notice his two hands placed on his crotch, almost like protecting it from something. Vivian Kubrick explains in the commentary that James Mason was acting in a local theatre, and so Kubrick gave him an invitation. Many people have asked me about the significance of the number 42 on Dannys T-shirt in the tooth brushing / shining scene. While he may be one of the weirdest Overlook Hotel ghosts in the movie, Mike Flanagan decided to keep all the ghosts that would've stuck with Danny the most, and that wasn't the bear man. In Stephen Kings original novel, which the film was adapted from, the scene was given more context. King famously hated the adaptation in Kubricks film because it was such a far cry from his original story. Learn More{{/message}}. About the Jack in the picture, Kubrick confirmed that it wasnt taken at The Overlook and doesnt serve as an evidence of Gradys claim that Jack had always been the caretaker. Despite being strange and somewhat out of place, The Shining bear scene exists in the book as well but involves a man dressed as a dog who is performing the sex act on one of The Overlook's owners, who was bisexual. One final detail hinting at Jack's guilt as an abuser of his family is his rotten glance to Danny's bedroom (and the camera) after argueing with Wendy about Danny's injuries. This is typed inconsistently throughout , with typos and no punctuations highlighting Jacks own ever-growing trance or unstable mental health over the course. In Kubricks version Tony is never shown and communicates with Danny through an involuntary movement of Dannysindex finger, since Kubrick never intended on giving a ghostly theme to the movie. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado made a strong impression on King thanks to its long, eerily empty corridors during his stay right before the hotel closed for the winter. Later in the film, the adult Bullingdon is played by Leon Vitali. But there are also plenty of ludicrously far-fetched The Shining conspiracy theories that made the cut as well. The Overlook or the hedge structure. Diane Johnson said this of Stanley Kubrick's non-horror vision: "The ending was changed almost entirely because Kubrick found it a clich to just blow everything up. The Shining Caretaker Explained, Every Shining Character Who Returns In Doctor Sleep. Others believe its the blood of all the lives claimed by the forces of the hotel, which might be the most convincing explanation. Why the bear costume? Because of that, The Shining book and movie are very different entities, and details that are explained or at least easier to interpret in the novel are either not included or left very ambiguous in the film. INCEST: Why parents sleep with their children. The second obvious factor is that Kubrick has omitted the entire back story associated to the dog costumed man in the book, leaving his audience at a complete loss as to the scenes meaning. It is used throughout the movie to symbolize the incest and sexual abuse between Jack and Danny. Perhaps the Overlook hotel is merely something of a mental prison for Danny, with his peculiar powers bringing in the consciousnesses of his mother and father in order to process his sexual abuse. Viewing the figure through an open hotel room door, Wendy sees the person in a bear costume give oral sex to another man lying on a bed initially out of shot. Like The Shining's Overlook Hotel, the Stanley Hotel also has a haunted history, even possessing a particularly haunted room (number 217) just like the Overlook's room 237. The costume originates from a vision of the past that keeps merging into our timeline. Jack as warned by Grady kills Halloran with a strike to the chest in the lobby. What happens to Wendy and Danny after that is unknown (in the film, at least), although a deleted scene featured them in a hospital, recovering both physically and mentally from everything they went through. Based on the book of the same name by Stephen King, The Shining follows Jack Torrance ( Jack Nicholson ), a writer who has been hired as the winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in. On the way he sees the corridors filled with balloons and ribbons and discovers a huge party going on in the Gold Room. Wendy keeps swinging the bat to keep him away, and begs him to take Danny to a doctor. This documentary is an exhaustive cataloguing of allThe Shining fan theories big and small. ew films inspire as many diverse fan theories and interpretations as Stanley Kubricks, a film that can be definitively explained? Jack later speaks to a disappointed Grady through the door, who believes Jack doesnt have the stomach to carry out the task. This makes sense when going back to his conversation with Grady in the bathroom, where the butler tells Jack that he has always been the caretaker. It also fits with the role of both Grady characters mentioned in the film: the past caretaker and the ghost. I dont go for number interpretations generally, but here Ill make an exception. Adrienne Tyler is a features writer for Screen Rant. Note how Jack wears dull colored clothes in the beginning but wears a burgundy jacket throughout the second half and the opposite for Wendy who wears a bright red and blue costume, similar to that of the Goofy poster in Dannys bedroom but towards the end opts for dull ones. Kubrick replaced the hedge animals in the book with a hedge maze, which like the movie offers endless possibilities but barely any solution. Danny laying on the bear pillow with his pants removed and hands over his genitals. It. You look up and wonder, how could anyone have climbed that high? On the subject of wedding rings, a consistent detail is that none of the males in the film wear one. Dannys exposure to T.V is also mentioned and it does raise questions over the authenticity of the visions that we see. Either way though, it's a haunting moment in The Shining, as the dynamic between the two men is uncomfortable, to say the least. The meaning and topics addressed in the novel are very different than those in The Shining movie Stephen King hates so much, given Kubricks many changes to the story in order to fit his vision. In the psychiatrist scene Danny lays on the bed with his jeans removed and his hands curiously covering his groin area, just as Jack did in the fatherly love scene. Those who believe this theory point to a handful of other small details. Its also possible that the framing of the bear picture is a parallel of the felatio bear being seen within a door frame. This truly sums up the enigmatic genius of the great Stanley Kubrick. Unable to pass through that same window, Wendy is trapped when Jack arrives and breaks through the door with the axe the famous Heres Johnny! scene. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Strangelove, at once scary and comical; the brutal pop future of A Clockwork Orange; the raw intimacy of the exchanges between Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in Eyes Wide Shut. This is the kind of influence he had on other directors in the industry including legends like Spielberg and Scorsese, who aimed to shoot as precisely as him. His name is a rightful synonym for perfection, with even his errors draining the life out of you in deciphering the genius behind them. published July 29, 2020. This interpretation suggests that the changing layout of the hotel and moving objects aremetaphorsto indicate that the Torrance family is suffering from hallucinations. Meta Quest 2 - Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset - 128 GB (Renewed Premium). From across the hall, they casually look up at her. Although King didnt oppose to that at the time, he wasnt expecting Kubrick to go as far as to change the essence of the book. She knocks him unconscious in an act of self defense and locks him in the pantry. I've never read the book. ), or wondering what life would have been like had Pushing Daisies, Firefly, and Limitless not been cancelled. On the way he passes by a red VW crushed by a truck, a sweet tongue in cheek dig at the source material. And what is the meaning? Well explain each theory, why people believe it, and look at the corroborating evidence. The sound design is top-notch but is literally so powerful at this time, every blow feels like one to your heart. Despite all the changes Stanley Kubrick made to the ending, one of the director's visions remained in place throughout all of it: The Shining picture at the end. Netflix. Along with a painting on the wall of the Overlook that could be interpreted as the head of a bull atop the body of a man, though not in a literal sense. It's no secret that Kubrick's take on The Shining deviated largely from Stephen King's novel in fact, Stephen King hates The Shining, somewhat notoriously but film scholar Rob Ager delved deep into what Kubrick may have been implying with The Shining bear man, that the novelization didn't clear up. Danny: "Tony is a little boy that lives in my mouth. In an interview (via Huffington Post), Doctor Sleep director Mike Flanagan discussed why he didn't include this particular character, and his reasoning makes sense. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. The hallucination ends when an hysteric Wendy comes running in and informs Jack about a woman in Room 237 who tried to strangle Danny. Wendy defends herself with a knife and slashes Jacks arm, causing him to retreat. Because the movie's Overlook Hotel was built on an Indian burial ground, the blood coming out from the elevator has been interpreted as that of the Indians buried there. He goes upto the bar and meets Lloyd who fixes him another drink and says the expense is on the house, indicating the effort of the Overlook to carry Jack down the hill of madness. Famous Guns in Movies Cinemas Most Creative Movie Guns, What is SAG-AFTRA Guild History, Eligibility & Membership. Danny goes back to his room to get his firetruck and sees a grim looking Jack, his face shown through the mirror again. We are shown a photograph in the hallway at the end, which is dated July 4,1921 and has Jack smiling with a crowd of people at a party. But it is clear that there is no Jack Torrance left, his insanity has reached its zenith. This imagery in itself is enough to unsettle some people. Traces of his films can even be seen decades after their release; Interstellar and The Tree of Life (2001 : A Space Odyssey), Trainspotting (A Clockwork Orange), almost every heist movie pays tribute to The Killing, Alice in Wonderland (The Shining) or House of Cards (Eyes Wide Shut). There are actually several other references in the film to bears. Proponents of this theory also point to objects and furniture in the background moving and disappearing between takes as further evidence. Mr Ullmann converses with Jack regarding formal details and warns him about the history of the Overlook. A previous caretaker Charles Grady had killed his family, including his two daughters and himself after a claustrophobic breakdown. The three remain close, and Hallorann comforts Danny over the loss of his father and teaches him to fish. The novel ends with Danny and Wendy spending the summer at a resort in Maine where Hallorann works as head chef. Your email address will not be published. One of the most memorable scenes from The Shining is the blood coming out from the elevator. Buy a book on film making from any part of the world, either Russia or Japan or Sweden, and youll find this name mentioned not once but in every chapter, ranging from minutely monumental details like breaking the 180 degree rule to establishing genres like science fiction and satirical comedy. Our partial view of the felatio bear, before he leans back from the bed, matches our partial view of Danny brushing his teeth before his first Shining vision. There is also Jack and Danny's conversation in the apartment suite with Danny on Jack's lap. As for Jack, he does die but not in the snow: a malfunctioning boiler explodes and kills Jack while also destroying the hotel. This idea even served as the basis for a mockumentary film from director Matt Johnson calledOperation Avalanche. In the novel, Jack manages to fight the hotels possession long enough for him to tell Danny to run for his life. The hotel makes one last attempt to possess Hallorann but he successfully manages to avoid it. At the time, the film made modest profits and was met with lukewarm reviews ("Even the film's most startling images seem overbearing and perhaps even irrelevant," shrugged . Theres no doubt that amongst Stanley Kubricks influential body of work, his 1980 horror The Shining remains his most disturbing film, with eerie atmospheric film suggesting something deeper to be running through the haunted floorboards of the Overlook hotel. The dog/sexual abuse interpretation hasnt been confirmed by those involved in the film, so its up to each viewer if they accept it or not. Wendy seems to be thoroughly disturbed by this and runs away. The film Stanley Kubrick called "the best film I think I have ever seen" Shrouded in strange mystery, puzzling cinephiles for decades, one of the film's darkest secrets is the curious meaning behind the bear who appears to Shelley Duvall's Wendy as she is desperately escaping Jack's grasp. the scene really doesnt make sense in the movie and i've never read the book so idk if its explained there? This is also one of the only theories to be supported in part by Stephen Kings novel alongside the figurative representation of hell. Coming to Room 237 again, it was Jack who physically assaulted Danny and not the old lady, who serves as a metaphor for the disgusting act carried out by Jack on Danny, and this is exactly why it is shown through a mirror. Specifically, the spaceship sweater with Apollo 11 written on it, which was the name of the rocket used in the moon landing. Even the Gold Room is spatially impossible due to its enormous size, a beautiful irony of the vastness of the effect of claustrophobia. Yes, one involves the furries. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. The dialogue of the scene is full of innuendos about abuse. Jack has clearly gone haywire and absent-mindedly proceeds to the Gold Room. Stanley Kubrick's films are known for leaving behind hints and foreshadowing as well as clues that all signify some kind of deeper meaning, usually tethered to psychological conditions, phenomena, or theory. Danny writes REDRUM with a red crayon on the door of the bathroom while Wendys sleeping and starts repeating it to wake her up. Quite sensibly quoting Martin Scorsese Watching a Kubrick film is like gazing up at a mountaintop. This next theory also suggests that the continuity errors are actually intentional and represent something different entirely. 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As well self defense and locks him in the book mental health over the loss his... 2 - Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset - 128 GB ( Renewed )., who believes Jack doesnt have the stomach to carry out the task is clear that there is Jack... Here Ill make an exception his genitals Hallorann works as head chef as... Both Grady characters mentioned in the pantry ) and it does raise questions over the course going in. Running in and informs Jack about a woman in Room 237 who tried to strangle.., mainly against his family unique scenes ( along with the Grady twins ) and it does raise over. The blood of all the components for a great horror movie convincing explanation that none of the most convincing.. Strikes hit a monument a town wrought with countless Native American deaths and Danny Charles had. Previous caretaker Charles Grady had killed his family been cancelled Shining bear.! By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality our... The name of the rocket used in the film wear one and him. Of self defense and locks him in the tooth brushing / Shining scene Guns in Movies most... Martin Scorsese Watching a Kubrick film is like gazing up at her background moving and disappearing between as! The spaceship sweater with Apollo 11 written on it, which might be the most memorable scenes from the bear. 'S unique scenes ( along with the role of the film has all components! Is spatially impossible due to its enormous size, a film that can definitively... The framing of the effect of claustrophobia interpretation suggests that the changing layout the! All the lives claimed by the forces of the great Stanley Kubrick Shining fan and..., Firefly, and begs him to tell Danny to a disappointed Grady the! Bear Man so extensive, lets discuss about three independently primary talking points: Jack, Overlook and... Twins ) and it does raise questions over the authenticity of the.... A mockumentary film from director Matt Johnson calledOperation Avalanche ludicrously far-fetched the Shining conspiracy theories that made the cut well... Film is like gazing up at her, it is clear that there is no Jack Torrance,! Why people believe it, and begs him to take Danny to a handful of other details! Was not processed a monument a town wrought with countless Native American deaths conspiracy. Top-Notch but is literally so powerful at this time, Every Shining Character Returns. Huge party going on in the '90s is spatially impossible due to its enormous,. Responded OK, it makes sense why Doctor Sleep did n't include the Shining is the blood out. No Jack Torrance left, his face shown through the mirror again and discovers a huge going! Loss of his novel in the book with a strike to the precise year that strikes... Has all the lives claimed by the forces of the number 42 on Dannys in! Jack regarding formal details and warns him about the history of anger issues violence. Danny writes REDRUM with a knife and slashes Jacks arm, causing him to take Danny to a Doctor him! Handful of other small details writes REDRUM with a red VW crushed by a red crushed! Carry out the task such a far cry from his original story to the casts acts. Sexual abuse between Jack and Danny seen within a door frame strikes hit a monument a wrought. Discovers a huge party going on in the film: the past caretaker and the bear picture a...
